With the aim to identify and promote artisanal food and food-related gifts in the Regions of Gastronomy, IGCAT launched the 1st International Food Gift Challenge to take place in Kuopio, European Region of Gastronomy awarded 2020, on 5 June 2020.
Hosted by Savonia University of Applied Sciences, the competition will gather high-quality food and crafts products that are locally produced and representative of the different regional gastronomies. These will be evaluated by an international jury of experts from IGCAT and the Regions of Gastronomy.
With a view to support and give international visibility to local producers who manufacture unique items related to the regions’ culinary traditions, a total of 10 products will be awarded as “Selected Food Gift 2020.”
Products will be assessed not only for their quality and attractiveness, but also for their sustainability, their connection to the territory they come from and their ability to tell engaging stories about themselves and their producers, in order to stimulate local and international visitors’ curiosity. Creativity and innovation in the manufacturing process and packaging will also be part of the evaluation.
The ultimate aim of the International Food Gift Challenge is to increase the availability of excellent, one-of-a-kind food products in the Regions of Gastronomy and promote them internationally. Thus, to allow local producers to capitalise on the ever-increasing demand from visitors for high-quality products, paired with their search for authenticity and uniqueness, and enhanced attention for sustainability.
The International Food Gift Challenge reinforces IGCAT’s mission to protect and promote local food and cultural diversity by instilling local pride into local traditions and acknowledging outstanding products from local culinary cultures.
The competition will be organised in the framework of the 7th Annual IGCAT Experts Meeting and 19th European Region of Gastronomy Platform Meeting that, together with a public seminar on Food, Well-being and Wellness Tourism will take place in Kuopio, on 3-6 June 2020.
Winners of the International Food Gift Challenge 2020 will be announced at the official Opening Ceremony of Kuopio, European Region of Gastronomy awarded 2020 to be held on 6 June.
About the European Region of Gastronomy
Candidate and awarded Regions of Gastronomy from Europe, guided by IGCAT, are working together to raise awareness about the importance of their cultural and food uniqueness; stimulate creativity and gastronomic innovation; educate for better nutrition; improve sustainable tourism standards; highlight distinctive food cultures; and strengthen community well-being.
About IGCAT
IGCAT aims to empower local communities by raising awareness of the importance to safeguard and promote distinct food, culture, arts and sustainable tourism assets. This is essential to balance against globalised food trends that are impacting on our planet, health and local economies.
IGCAT is a non-profit institute established in 2012, working with regional stakeholder consortiums in the fields of gastronomy, culture, arts and tourism. It counts on the expertise of a worldwide network of experts and works in partnership with specialised intergovernmental organisations.
IGCAT provides the Region of Gastronomy Award and is the official secretariat for the European Region of Gastronomy Platform. Furthermore, the Institute has developed the European Young Chef Award the Local Food Gift Challenge, the Top Visitor Experience and the Food Film Menu.